Understanding trauma and its impact on mental health
Trauma is deeply personal and has many definitions. Mental Health America defines trauma as "an emotional response to a distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms the individual’s ability to cope."
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Studies show that over 70% of people worldwide have experienced one or more traumatic event, with over 30% of people experiencing four or more.
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Trauma is difficult to define, as what is traumatic for one person isn't necessarily traumatic for another. However, if you've experienced an event (or series of events) that made it difficult for you to return to a sense of safety, you've probably experienced trauma.
Symptoms of trauma and PTSD
Types of trauma therapy in CA
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is based on the idea that stress and past traumas can become trapped within the body due to the nervous system's reactions to threats encountered throughout life. Its aim is to tune in to body sensations in real-time, facilitating the release of accumulated tension and trauma.
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a cutting-edge trauma therapy that helps clients identify and heal the mind's sub-personalities — or "parts" — that take on various roles as a response to traumatic experiences. The goal is to help each part express itself fully and help the parts work together in harmony.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a first-line treatment for trauma that supports the client in sharing the trauma story — or narrative — in a safe environment. TF-CBT also involves correcting unhelpful beliefs that arose as a result of the traumatic experience(s).
Trauma therapy techniques
Benefits of trauma therapy
Lasting symptom relief
Trauma therapy does more than slapping a band-aid on your issues. It goes in and helps the wound heal properly. What that means is you get to actually cure your trauma wounds, so that you're not chasing symptoms around.
Improved coping skills
The coping skills you learn in trauma therapy go beyond helping you recover from the traumatic experience — you'll find that these coping tools are useful in a myriad of life and relationship situations. Talk about a cherry on top.
More connected relationships
When trauma comes from the hand of someone you love, it can make it harder to trust people. This lack of vulnerability impacts the depth and connectedness of your relationships. Trauma therapy can help you feel safe with others again.
Post-traumatic growth
Did you know that when you heal from trauma, you can experience a phenomenon called post-traumatic growth? Post-traumatic growth is when you feel a greater sense of internal strength as a result of overcoming painful experiences.
Trauma-informed therapy in Los Angeles
Trauma therapy for women in LA
Research shows that women are twice as likely to develop PTSD following a traumatic event compared with men.
This difference is explained by the fact that women experience higher-impact traumas (such as physical and sexual assault) than men, and they often experience them earlier in life.
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Trauma therapy for women provides a safe and supportive environment to help you heal from trauma.
My goal as a trauma therapist is to empower and inspire you so that fear doesn't hold you back from anything you want in your life, career and relationships.
Getting started with trauma therapy in California
Misconceptions about trauma therapy
#1 "Digging up trauma makes things worse"
While talking about painful past experiences is uncomfortable in the short-term, it will help you reduce suffering in the long-term. Think of trauma therapy as paying off emotional debt. It sucks now, but you'll thank yourself later.
#2 "You can't heal trauma anyway"
Trauma therapy has gone a long way in its effectiveness in the past couple decades. One scientific review of evidence-based trauma treatments showed that up to 95% of study participants lost their PSTD diagnosis as a result of treatment.
#3 "Therapy is only for severe trauma"
I like to say that "no one gets through life unscathed." Many folks who come into therapy think their trauma is not that bad. Any event that overwhelmed your capacity to cope was likely traumatic and deserves to be healed.
#4 "Talking about the past won't help me now"
Not only will processing trauma help you now, but it will also help you for the rest of your life. Think about how much brighter your future looks when it's not dragged down by trauma symptoms. You deserve to thrive, not just survive.
What to expect in trauma therapy
You get to define trauma for yourself
Everyone has their own definition and experience of what was traumatic for them. What constitutes trauma for someone else might not be traumatic for you and vise versa. In our work together, I honor your definition of what trauma is.
We move at your pace
When it comes to processing trauma, slower is better. Why? Because the 6-word definition of trauma is "too much, too fast, too soon." In trauma work, we move at a pace that makes you feel 100% safe and supported in the healing process.
All emotions are welcome
Trauma recovery can bring up the rainbow of human emotion: anger, shame, fear, sadness, guilt, regret, helplessness, relief, empowerment and more. In our work together, all emotions are welcome. There's a place for all of them.
Silver-linings are completely optional
Trauma survivors, when telling their story, are often met with statements like "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" or "others have it so much worse than you." You don't ever have to find the lesson or the gift in your pain. It's 100% optional.
Finding a trauma-informed therapist
Ask for trauma therapist recommendations
Other health practitioners can be a great starting point when looking for a trauma therapist. If you have a good relationship with your primary care doctor, you can ask them for a recommendation for a trauma-informed therapist nearby.
Research trauma therapists online
If seeking a therapist referral feels uncomfortable, conducting online research for a therapist is an alternative. For a trauma-focused approach, consider searching "trauma therapist near me" on Google to explore available options.
Utilize free 15-minute phone consultations
Whether you seek a therapist referral or discover one online, it's crucial to thoroughly assess your options. Many therapists provide a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to ensure compatibility. Consider scheduling 2-3 consultations to explore multiple choices before making a decision.
Listen to that gut feeling
Locating the right therapist can pose a challenge, and the choice isn't always clear-cut. Trust your instincts during conversations with therapists. Feeling safe is key, so pay attention to those gut feelings when making your selection.
Trauma therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Hi there, I'm Natalie!
I know first-hand how difficult it is to experience trauma and deal with its effects. I've been the client on the receiving end of trauma therapy. Trust me, it's worth the effort.
Flexible therapy for different needs
I provide a trauma-informed approach to online therapy in California. That means that no matter where you live, work, travel or go to school in the state, you can receive treatment.
Are you ready to get started?
Reaching out for help can be tough. Especially if you were taught to handle things on your own. But you don't have to do it alone anymore. That is why I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to all prospective clients.
I look forward to hearing your story soon.
